Transportation device

ABSTRACT

A transportation device including a flexible unit having spaced axles driven about a closed loop which includes a load bearing run. A plurality of steps, platforms or pallets are detachably fixed to the axles by a clamping arrangement which permits removal of the steps, platforms or pallets anywhere on the load bearing run without disassembly of the steps, platforms or pallets, the drive system, or surrounding structure.

Q Unlted States Patent 11 1 1111 3,789,972 Kraft 1451 Feb. 5, 1974 1TRANSPORTATION DEVICE 2,570,135 10/1951 Loughridge 198/16 R 2,981,3974/1961 Hansen 198/16 R [75} lnvemor- Joseph Kraft Gettysburg 2,214,580 91940 Dunlap 198/16 R [73] Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation,

Pittsburgh, Pa. Primary Examiner-Richard E. Aegerter Filed: g 1972Attorney, Agent, or Firm-A. T. Stratton et al.

[21] Appl. No.: 283,679 [57] ABSTRACT A transportation device includinga flexible unit hav- 1521 US. 01 198/16 R ing spaced axles driven abouta closed p which 51 1111.01. B65b 9/12 cludes a load bearing A pluralityof Steps, p [58] Field of Search 1. 198/16, 17, 18 forms or pallets aredetachably fixed t9 the axles y a clamping arrangement which permitsremoval of the 56] R f e Ci d steps, platforms or pallets anywhere onthe load bearl'lll'l WithOUt disassembly Of the StpS, platforms orpallets, the drive system, or surrounding structure. 2,033,308 3/1936Shonnard 198/16R 3,677,388 7/1972 Kraft .1 198/16 R 11 Claims, 7 DrawingFigures I08 I20 & 4 no TRANSPORTATION DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The invention relates in general totransportation devices for moving people from one landing to another,and more specifically to transportation devices, such as movablestairways and movable walkways, having a plurality of steps, platformsor pallets.

2. Description of the Prior Art Transportation devices for moving peoplefrom one landing to another, of the type which have a plurality ofsteps, platforms or pallets thereon, such as movable stairways andmovable walkways, conventionally utilize a flexible unit having aplurality of spaced, parallel axles thereon. A step, platform or palletis clamped to each axle. When it is necessary to clean or repair thetransportation device, involving removal of one or more steps, platformsor pallets the removal and replacement operation is time consuming anddirty, adding significantly to the maintenance cost of thetransportation device. For example, with certain prior art movablestairway arrangements for clamping the steps to the step axle, the floorplate at one end of the stairway must be removed, a portion of the guidetrack dismantled, and the step clamps removed by reaching around behindthe step. Still other prior art arrangements require disassembly of astep in order to remove the first step. The treadboard of one step mustbe removed to permit access to the step clamps, and then additionalsteps may be removed by reaching under the step to be removed throughthe access opening provided by the previously removed step.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly, the present invention is a new andimproved transportation device, such as a movable stairway or movablewalkway having an endless, flexible unit which includes a plurality ofspaced, parallel axles. A step, platform or pallet is detachably clampedto each axle. The unit is driven about a closed loop by drive means,with the loop including an upper load bearing run.

The steps, platforms or pallets are removable and replaceable from anylocation on the load bearing run, without disassembly of a step,platform, pallet, balustrade, or any part of the drive and guide system.The clamping means for clamping the steps, platforms or pallets to theaxles includes a movable portion and a fixed portion, with the movableportion being actuated by the step axle to the proper clamped positionwhen the step, platform or pallet is placed on the axle. Locking meansfor locking and unlocking the clamp in the clamped position isaccessible via access openings in the step. Removal of a step after theclamp is unlocked automatically actuates the movable portion of theclamp to its unclamped configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention may be betterunderstood, and further advantages and uses thereof more readilyapparent when considered in view of the following detailed descriptionof exemplary embodiments, taken with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view in side elevation of a transportation devicewhich may embody the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a movable stairway, withparts removed and/or cut away. which illustrates a step clamped to astep axle according to the teachings of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the step shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of the step shown in FIG. 3, illustratingthe step as it is being removed from, or being placed on, a step axle;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are side and plan views of the movable portion of theclamping means employed in the embodiment of the invention shown inFIGS. 2, 3 and 4; and

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view of a step illustrating clamping meansconstructed according to another embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, andFIG. 1 in particular, there is shown a transportation device 10 whichmay utilize the teachings of the invention. While the invention isequally applicable to moving walkways having an endless series of rigidsegments or platforms, commonly called pallets, it will be describedrelative to a movable stairway. Device 10 employs a conveyor portion 12for transporting passengers between a first landing l4 and a secondlanding l6. Conveyor 12 is of the endless type, having a flexible unit14 which is driven about a closed path. While the invention may beutilized with any type of movable stairway, its use is particularlyadvantageous with the modular passenger conveyor construction disclosedin co-pendin g application Ser. No. 91,846, filed Nov. 23, 1970, nowU.S. Pat. 3,707,220, which is assigned to the same assignee as thepresent application, and the invention will be described relative tosuch construction.

Conveyor 12 includes an upper load bearing run 17 upon which thepassengers stand while being transported between the landings l4 and 16,and a lower return run 18. A balustrade 20 is disposed above theconveyor 12 which guides a continuous, flexible handrail 24. Thebalustrade 20 may be transparent as indicated, or opaque, as desired.

Conveyor 12 includes a plurality of steps 26, only a few of which areshown in FIG. 1. These steps 26 move in a closed path, driven by amodular drive unit 28, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,677,388,which is assigned to the same assignee as the present application. Theendless, flexible unit or belt 14 is formed of pivotally interconnectedtoothed links 30, to which the steps 26 are connected, as will behereinafter explained. The steps 26 are supported by main and trailerrollers or wheels which cooperate with main tracks and trailer tracks,respectively, to guide the steps 26 in the endless path.

Modular drive unit 28 includes sprocket wheels and chains which engagethe toothed links 30 of the conveyor 12, to pull the flexible unit 14 upthe incline between the landings 14 and 16.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a step 26 disposed on theload bearing run 17 of the conveyor 12, with parts removed and/or brokenaway in order to better illustrate the teachings of the invention. Morespecifically, first and second closed loops 32 and 34 each of which areformed of the pivotally interconnected toothed links 30 are disposed inspaced, side-by-side relation, with the planes of the loops beingvertical. The

plurality of spaced step axles 36 extend between the loops, transverseto the planes thereof, with the ends of the step axles 30 extendingthrough aligned openings of adjacent toothed links of the first andsecond loops 32 and 34. The toothed links 30 may be formed of stacked,metallic laminations, such that their ends dovetail, enabling openingsin their ends to be aligned while also aligning the toothed links 30.

Main wheels or rollers 38 and 39 are mounted on opposite ends of thestep axle 36, which rollers are guided about the closed path by c-shapedtracks 40 and 41, respectively.

The step axles 36 have metallic shoulder members 42 and 44 disposedthereon which axially locate the steps 26 on the step axle, andresilient, elastomeric bushings 46 and 48 may also be disposed on thestep axles 36, adjacent the alignment shoulders 42 and 44, respectively.The steps may be clamped to the bushings 46 and 48, in order to reducenoise and vibration which may otherwise be transmitted from the modulardrive unit 28 and the loops of toothed links 30, to the steps 26 uponwhich the passengers ride.

Each of the steps 26 includes right and left-hand step brackets 50 and52, respectively, a cleated riser 54 which extends between the stepbrackets on one end thereof, and a treadboard 56, which also extendsbetween the step brackets, forming the surface upon which the passengersstand. The ends of the step brackets 50 and 52 which are adjacent theriser 54 are provided with trailer wheels 58 and 60, respectively, andthe opposite ends, adjacent tread-board 56, are provided with clampingmeans 62 and 64. Clamping means 62, associated with the left-hand stepbracket is shown in FIG. 2, and clamping means 64, which is associatedwith the right-hand step bracket 50, is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Theclamping means 62 of FIG. 2 is illustrated clamped about a resilientbushing 66, while clamping means 64 is shown clamped about a resilientbushing 68 in FIG. 3.

When the step 26 is clamped to its associated step axle 36 by theclamping means 62 and 64, the trailer rollers 58 and 60 ride on L-shapedtracks 70 and 72, respectively. When the steps 26 are in the loadbearing run 17 of the conveyor 12, at any location between landings l4and 16, they may be removed by unlocking clamping means 62 and 64 viaaccess openings provided in the steps 26. When the clamping means 62 and64 are each unlocked, the steps 26 may simply be pivoted upwardly ontheir trailer wheels and removed. When replacing a step 26, the trailerwheels 58 and 60 are placed on the tracks 70 and 72, respectively, and

the step dropped or pivoted onto its associated step axle 36. The stepaxle itself actuates the clamping means to their clamping positions onthe axle, and the locking means is then actuated through openings in thestep, preferably through the treadboard 56. Thus, when a modular driveunit, such as modular drive unit 28, is to be serviced, it requires onlya minute or two to stop the conveyor 12 and remove the steps which areimmediately above the drive unit. The steps do not have to bedisassembled. The balustrade and skirt are not dismantled. The floorplate and tracks of the drive assembly remain undisturbed.

More specifically, FIG. 3 is an elevational view of step 26 shown inFIG. 2, showing the right-hand side of the step, with the clamping meansin its closed or clamped position. FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of thestep shown in FIG. 3, illustrating the clamping means in its open orunclamped position. Clamping means 64 includes a movable portion 80,shown more clearly in FIGS. 5 and 6, which are side and plan viewsthereof respectively, a stationary portion 82, and locking means 84. Thestationary portion 82, which may be formed integrally with the stepbracket, includes a curved, concave surface'86, which has across-section defining a semi-circle having a radius selected to besubstantially the same as the radius of the resilient bushing 68.Movable portion of the clamping means 64 includes a curved, concavesurface 88, which also has a cross-sectional configuration which definesa semi-circle having a radius substantially equal to the radius ofbushing 68. The movable portion 80 of the clamping means is pivotallymounted to the step bracket 50 via a pin disposed through alignedopenings in the step bracket 50 and through an extension 91 of themovable portion 80. Movable portion 80, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6,has an opening 92 disposed through the extension 91 for receiving thepin 90. In order to provide an accurate alignment of the movable andstationary portions of the clamping means 64, the openings in the stepbracket 50 and in the movable portion 80 of the clamping means arepreferably drilled with the movable portion 80 assembled with the fixedportion 82 by the screw 104. The clamping means 64 is then bored duringfinal assembly to obtain the desired close fit with the bushing 68.

The locking means 84, in this embodiment of the invention, includesfirst and second cooperative portions and 102, respectively, which areassociated with the fixed and movable portions 82 and 80 of the clampingmeans 64, respectively. A first portion 100 includes a screw 104 havinga head 106 of the type which may be turned by the insertion of a tool108 through an opening in the step 26, such as through opening 110disposed through the treadboard 56, which opening is aligned with thescrew 104. As illustrated, screw 104 may have a hex-shaped Allen head,and tool 108 will thus be an Allen wrench. This arrangement requires avery small access opening through the treadboard 56, which convenientlymay fall between the ridges of the treadboard and thus be virtuallyunnoticed. Screw 104 is held captive by the first portion 100,preventing the screw 104 from being backed completely out of a threadedportion 112 of the locking means 84.

The second portion 102 of the locking means 84 includes a threadedportion 114, which is aligned with the threaded portion 112 of the fixedportion of the locking means when the clamping means 64 is clamped aboutthe step axle 36. This arrangement provides a positive locking function,as it is not possible to tighten the screw 104 unless it is properlyengaged with the threaded portion 114 of the movable portion of theclamping means.

Movable portion 80 of clamping means 64 is actuated to its clampingposition when the step 26 is placed on the inclined portion of the loadbearing run 17, with its trailer wheels disposed on the trailer tracks,and thenit is dropped or pivoted into operating position. This functionmay be performed by providing the movable portion 80 with an extension116 dimensioned to strike the step axle 36 as the step 26 is pivotedinto its operating position. As illustrated in FIG. 4 the step 26 may bepivoted into operating position after the trailer wheels 58 and 60 areplaced on the trailer tracks 70 and 72, respectively, with the centerline of the stationary portion 82 of the clamping means following thedashed curve 120, which also intersects the center line of the step axle36. The stationary portion 82 of the clamping means is shaped to allowthe extension 116 to clear the stationary portion as the movable portionpivots into place under the bushing 68. Once the step is in position,which automatically actuates the clamping means to its closed or clampedposition, the tool 108 is inserted through the access opening 110 in thestep and the screw associated with each of the clamping means istightened to lock the clamping means, and thus lock the step to the stepaxle.

When it is desired to remove a step from the conveyor 12, from anywhereon the load bearing run of the incline, it is only necessary to insertthe tool 108 through the access openings in the step to release each ofthe locking means on the clamps 62 and 64. Once the locking means isdisengaged, the step 26 may be pivoted upwardly on its trailer wheelsand removed. A notch 128 may be provided in the tool 108 for engagingthe treadboard at the bottom of the access opening to initiate thepivoting of the step and move it to a position where it may be easilygrasped and removed. When the tool 108 starts to lift the step, thebushing 68 presses down on the movable portion of the clamp and pivotsit to the open position shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view of a step 26' illustrating clamping means64 constructed according to another embodiment of the invention. Likereference numerals in FIGS. 3 and 7 indicate like components. Clampingmeans 64' is automatically actuated to its clamping configuration aboutaxle 36, as hereinbefore described relative to clamping means 64.Clamping means 64', however, includes locking means 84 whichautomatically latches or locks the clamping means 64 in its clampedconfiguration, eliminating the separate step of actuating No. thelocking means to its locked condition. Locking means 84 is unlocked orunlatched by using a tool 108 disposed through an access opening 110 inthe treadway 56. FIG. 7 illustrates an implementation of this concept,wherein the locking means 84 includes a portion 200 associated with thestationary portion 82 of the clamping means, a portion 202 associatedwith the movable portion 80 of the clamping means, and a spring member204 has one end fixed to one portion of the locking means 84, such asportion 202, and its other end includes a curved portion 206. When theclamping means 64 is actuated to its clamped configuration, the curvedportion 206 is cammed against the bias of spring member 204 until thecurved end 206 clears a shoulder on portion 200, at which point thecurved portion snaps over the shoulder, under the influence of theurging of the spring member 204, to latch or lock the clamping means inits clamped configuration about axle 36. Opening 110 in the treadway isdisposed to align the tool with curved portion 206, enabling an inwardforce on the tool to release the latch or lock.

In summary, there has been disclosed new and improved transportationapparatus, such as a movable stairway, of the type which has a pluralityof steps connected to step axles. Each of the steps may be quickly andeasily removed, or replaced, on its associated step axle, any place onthe load bearing run of the incline, without dismantling a step, abalustrade, or any part of the driving or guiding means of the conveyor.It is only necessary to insert a tool through access openings preferablylocated in the treadboard of each step, in order to quickly releaselocking means, which then allows the step to be removed from itsoperating position on the conveyor. Replacement of the step into itsoperating position merely requires that the trailer wheels of the stepbe placed on their respective tracks, and the step pivoted intoposition. The step axle itself actuates the clamping means into theclamped position, preparatory to locking the clamps by inserting thetool through access openings in the step, or the clamping means may beself-locking in its clamped configuration.

I claim as my invention:

1. Transportation apparatus extending between first and second landings,comprising:

an endless, flexible unit including a plurality of spaced axles,

drive means driving said unit along a substantially fixed path whichincludes an upper load bearing run and a lower return run,

a plurality of platforms,

said platforms each including mounting means detachably connecting saidplatforms to different ones of said axles, said mounting means enablinga platform to be detached from, and reconnected to an axle, while theplatform is located in the upper load bearing run of the flexible unit,without disassembly of the platform, adjacent platforms, or supportingstructure,

said mounting means including fixed and movable portions, means forpivotally mounting said movable portion, said movable portion beingpivotable between clamped and unclamped positions with respect to saidfixed portion, said fixed portion being shaped and oriented to rest on aselected axle when its platform is placed on the load bearing run ofsaid flexible unit, said movable portion being shaped and oriented whenin the unclamped position to strike said selected axle and pivot intoits clamped position about said axle as said fixed portion is placedthereon,

and locking means releasably locking said movable and fixed portions inthe clamped position about said selected axle.

2. The transportation apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the platformsinclude an access opening therein, with the locking means beingactuatable via said access opening.

3. The transportation apparatus of claim 2 wherein each of the platformsis a step including a treadboard, with the access openings being in saidtreadboard.

4. The transportation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the movable portionof the mounting means is pivoted to the unclamped position by the axlewhen the platform is removed from the load bearing run of the flexibleunit.

5. The transportation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the endless flexibleunit includes first and second spaced belts formed of pivotallyinterconnected toothed links and the drive means is mounted between saidfirst and second belts, and between the load bearing and return runs ofthe fixed path.

6. The transportation apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the platformsinclude an access opening therein, and the mounting means includesclamping means which automatically clamps and locks onto an axle whenthe platform is placed in position on the endless, flexible unit, saidclamping means being actuable to an unlocked condition via the accessopening in the platform, permitting said clamping means to be unclampedto remove the platform from the endless, flexible unit.

7. The transportation apparatus of claim 6 wherein each platform is astep having a treadway, and the access opening is in said treadway.

8. The transportation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the locking meansincludes a cooperative screw and nut each carried by a different portionof the fixed and movable portions of the mounting means, said screw andnut being aligned for engagement when the fixed and movable portions arein the clamped position, and wherein each platform defines an accessopening through which the screw and nut may be engaged and disengaged.

9. The transportation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the locking meansincludes cooperative spring means and locking shoulder, each carried bya different portion of the fixed and movable portions of the mountingmeans, said spring means being actuated by the pivotal movement of themovable portion as it pivots to the clamped position, to releasablyengage the locking shoulder and lock the fixed and movable portions inthe clamped position, and wherein each platform defines an accessopening through which the spring means may be disengaged from thelocking shoulder.

10. Transportation apparatus extending between first and secondlandings, comprising:

an endless, flexible unit including a plurality of spaced axles,

drive means driving said unit along a substantially fixed path whichincludes an upper load bearing run and a lower return run, a pluralityof platforms, and mounting means detachably connecting each of saidplatforms to a different one of said axles,

said mounting means including clamping means having fixed and movableportions, means for pivotally mounting said movable portion, with saidmovable portion being operable between unclamped and clampedconfigurations, and locking means for locking said clamping means in theclamped configuration on a step axle,

said movable portion of the clamping means being pivotally fixed suchthat placing a step on a step axle causes the step axle to strike andpivot the movable portion of the clamping means into its clampedconfiguration on the step axle, said mounting means enabling a platformto be detached from, and reconnected to, its associated axle, while theplatform is located in the upper load bearing run of the unit, withoutdisassembly of the platform, adjacent platforms, or supportingstructure.

11. The transportation apparatus of claim 10 wherein the locking meansincludes a screw mounted on the fixed portion of the locking means and anut on the movable portion, and including access openings in theplatform aligned with said screw, for actuating saidlocking means.

Dedication 3,789,972.J0seph K. Kraft, Gettysburg, Pa. TRANSPORTATIONDEVICE. Patent dated Feb. 5, 1974. Dedication filed Aug. 20, 1985, bythe assignee, Westinghouse Electric Corp.

Hereby dedicates to the public the entire term of said patent.[Oflicial' Gazette November 19, 1985.]

1. Transportation apparatus extending between first and second landings,comprising: an endless, flexible unit including a plurality of spacedaxles, drive means driving said unit along a substantially fixed pathwhich includes an upper load bearing run and a lower return run, aplurality of platforms, said platforms each including mounting meansdetachably connecting said platforms to different ones of said axles,said mounting means enabling a platform to be detached from, andreconnected to an axle, while the platform is located in the upper loadbearing run of the flexible unit, without disassembly of the platform,adjacent platforms, or supporting structure, said mounting meansincluding fixed and movable portions, means for pivotally mounting saidmovable portion, said movable portion being pivotable between clampedand unclamped positions with respect to said fixed portion, said fixedportion being shaped and oriented to rest on a selected axle when itsplatform is placed on the load bearing run of said flexible unit, saidmovable portion being shaped and oriented when in the unclamped positionto strike said selected axle and pivot into its clamped position aboutsaid axle as said fixed portion is placed thereon, and locking meansreleasably locking said movable and fixed portions in the clampedposition about said selected axle.
 2. The transportation apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein each of the platforms include an access opening therein,with the locking means being actuatable via said access opening.
 3. Thetransportation apparatus of claim 2 wherein each of the platforms is astep including a treadboard, with the access openings being in saidtreadboard.
 4. The transportation apparatus of claim 1 wherein themovable portion of the mounting means is pivoted to the unclampedposition by the axle when the platform is removed from the load bearingrun of the flexible unit.
 5. The transportation apparatus of claim 1wherein the endless flexible unit includes first and second spaced beltsformed of pivotally interconnected toothed links and the drive means ismounted between said first and second belts, and between the loadbearing and return runs of the fixed path.
 6. The transportationapparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the platforms include an accessopening therein, and the mounting means includes clamping means whichautomatically clamps and locks onto an axle when the platform is placedin position on the endless, flexible unit, said clamping means beingactuable to an unlocked condition via the access opening in theplatform, permitting said clamping means to be unclamped to remove theplatform from the endless, flexible unit.
 7. The transportationapparatus of claim 6 wherein each platform is a step having a treadway,and the access opening is in said treadway.
 8. The transportationapparatus of claim 1 wherein the locking means includes a cooperativescrew and nut each carried by a different portion of the fixed andmovable portions of the mounting means, said screw and nut being alignedfor engagement when the fixed and movable portions are in the clampedposition, and wherein each platform defines an access opening throughwhich the screw and nut may be engaged and disengaged.
 9. Thetransportation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the locking means includescooperative spring means and locking shoulder, each carried by adifferent portion of the fixed and movable portions of the mountingmeans, said spring means being actuated by the pivotal movement of themovable portion as it pivots to the clamped position, to releasablyengage the locking shoulder and lock the fixed and movable portions inthe clamped position, and wherein each platform defines an accessopening through which the spring means may be disengaged from thelocking shoulder.
 10. Transportation apparatus extending between firstand second landings, comprising: an endless, flexible unit including aplurality of spaced axles, drive means driving said unit along asubstantially fixed path which includes an upper load bearing run and alower return run, a plurality of platforms, and mounting meansdetachably connecting each of said platforms to a different one of saidaxles, said mounting means including clamping means having fixed andmovable portions, means for pivotally mounting said movable portion,with said movable portion being operable between unclamped and clampedconfigurations, and locking means for locking said clamping means in theclamped configuration on a step axle, said movable portion of theclamping means being pivotally fixed such that placing a step on a stepaxle causes the step axle to strike and pivot the movable portion of theclamping means into its clamped configuration on the step axle, saidmounting means enabling a platform to be detached from, and reconnectedto, its associated axle, while the platform is located in the upper loadbearing run of the unit, without disassembly of the platform, adjacentplatforms, or supporting structure.
 11. The transportation apparatus ofclaim 10 wherein the locking means includes a screw mounted on the fixedportion of the locking means and a nut on the movable portion, andincluding access openings in the platform aligned with said screw, foractuating Said locking means.